Legislature OKs measure raising dropout age to 18

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Legislature OKs measure raising dropout age to 18

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky students would be barred from dropping out of school before they're 18 years old under legislation passed by the Legislature on Monday.

The Senate voted 33-5 late Monday afternoon for final passage. That vote came on the heels of 88-10 House vote.

Raising the dropout age has been a priority for Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who has been pushing legislation since he took office in 2007.

It was a compromise arranged by Republican Sen. David Givens of Greensburg that lead to passage of the proposal after years of debate.

Givens resolved the issue by allowing school districts to choose whether to increase the dropout age. After 55 percent of school districts sign on, it would be required statewide.

Lagging districts would have four years to comply.

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